Yatsuhigata (from the windows of the observation centre)

On the freshwater pond by the observation centre, many Teals (Kogamoコガモ) were feeding, having a bath, preening or having a rest. They are always the first ones to arrive on the way to their winter migration grounds.

The freshwater pond was covered with Water Velvet (Akaukikusaアカウキクサ), which is an aquatic plant in the fern family. 

 
There was an Intermediate Egret (Chusagiチュウサギ) with other herons & egrets.

from the left - Grey Heron (Aosagiアオサギ), Little Egret (Kosagiコサギ), Intermediate Egret (Chusagiチュウサギ)

two Little Egrets (Kosagiコサギ) & a Great Egret (Daisagiダイサギ)


Towards the closing time for the day, a Common Sandpiper (Isoshigiイソシギ) and a Pintail (Onagagamoオナガガモ) landed on the narrow shore by the observation centre. 

And as we were just about to leave, the ranger told us a young Greenshank (Aoashishigiアオアシシギ) had turned up on the freshwater pond.

He is rather a fast eater...!